What term refers to species that typically live in a specific ecosystem?

The term that refers to species that typically live in a specific ecosystem is "endemic species." Endemic species are those that are native to a particular region or environment and are not naturally found anywhere else in the world. This specificity is crucial because such species have often evolved adaptations that allow them to thrive in their unique habitats, making them closely associated with the ecological dynamics of that area.

In contrast, exotic species are those that are introduced to an ecosystem where they do not naturally occur; invasive species are a subset of exotic species that spread rapidly and can cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. Nonnative species also refer to organisms that have been brought into an ecosystem where they do not originate, similar to exotic species, but this term does not inherently imply harmful effects. In contrast, endemic species are vital to their ecosystems as they contribute to biodiversity and often have specific roles within the food web and other ecological processes.